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Skylight

Silvestre and Mariana, a happily married elderly couple, take in a young nomad, Abel, and soon discover their many differences. Adriana loves Beethoven more than any man, but her budding sexuality brings new feelings to the surface. Carmen left Galicia to marry humble Emilio, but hates Lisbon and longs for her first love, Manolo. Lidia used to work the streets, but now she's kept by Paulo, a wealthy man with a wandering eye. These are just some of the characters in this early work, completed by Saramago in 1953 but never published until now. With his characteristic compassion, depth, and wit, Saramago shows us the quiet contentment of a happy family and the infectious poison of an unhappy one. We see his characters' most intimate moments as well as the casual encounters particular to neighbors living in close proximity.

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The story flits from one family to another among different families in an apartment block - a series of snapshots. Not much plot, except for a lodger coming in and then getting framed for something (read it and find out). The first quarter to a third of the book is a bit awkward, but then one is familiar with the characters and the remaining book becomes much more enjoyable.

Stunning. Insight into the depth of the human condition/spirit through common souls. Challenges ways of viewing the world. I didn't find Blindness memorable, but this makes me want to pick it up again and try?

this book is such an incredible read. vivid charachter development. you feel as if you are witnessing their lives as a neighbor in the building!
Blindness is even better. it commands your attention. hard to put down.